As the Elk Grove mayoral contest enters its home stretch, Tracie Stafford will hold a final fundraiser on Wednesday night and is pushing hard to get her word out on her candidacy.

Stafford, one of seven candidates seeking to replace outgoing Mayor Gary Davis is holding her campaign event this Wednesday night at the Surf Extreme on Laguna Boulevard in Elk Grove. The event is open to families and participants at Stafford's event can received up to a 50-percent discount on various activities.

A political novice who entered the race following Davis' announcement that he would not seek a third two-year term, Stafford is nonetheless actively campaigning in hopes of pulling out a victory.

"As I enter the last week of the race, I can't help but be proud of where I stand," Stafford said. "As a political outsider, with little funding and the heart of an advocate, I had no choice but to run my own race, my own way."

Stafford also recorded a video (see below) expressing hope and some of the frustration of running an outsider campaign without being part of a political machine.

Although Stafford has not raised the funds of other candidates, she has effectively used social media and purchased prominent space on an Elk Grove Boulevard billboard.

"I am proud to say that the community has embraced me and I have had a constant flow of volunteers, event participants and donors," she added. "My marketing experience, determination and community focused goals have leveled the playing field. I expect a close race to the finish."